Avatar Sequels Begin Motion-Capture Filming This Summer

It’s been eight years since James Cameron revolutionized cinema with the science fiction epic Avatar, which remains the highest grossing film of all time with an astonishing $2.8 billion dollars worldwide. This success hinged on innovative new technology in the fields of 3D and motion-tracking, which allowed Cameron to portray the most visually immersive world ever depicted on screen. The same technological advancement meant that the director could convincingly portray emotions on the faces of his cast, despite the heavy reliance on CGI. All of this was achieved by a performance-capture stage six times the size of those previously used, and a lightweight head rig worn by actors which could track their minute facial movements. Filmmakers from Peter Jackson to J.J. Abrams went on to utilize this very technology in their own blockbusters, showing the lasting legacy of James Cameron’s award-winning film.

Avatar 2and more potential sequels have been discussed ever since, with initial plans for a trilogy of Avatar movies changing to include five installments overall in the saga. Actress Sigourney Weaver recently praised the scope of the sequels, but fans remain in the dark about the progress of the franchise.

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Cameron was asked if he would ever direct a Star Wars or Marvel Cinematic Universefilm, he responded frankly that he isn’t “the slightest bit interested in laboring in someone else’s house.” After which, he offered an update on the progress of his own franchise, and the nature of his Avatar sequels:

“The thing is, my focus isn’t on Avatar 2. My focus is on Avatar 2, 3, 4, and 5 equally. That’s exactly how I’m approaching it. They’ve all been developed equally. I’ve just finished the script to Avatar 5. I’m now starting the process of active prep. I’ll be working with the actors in the capture volume in August, so I’m booked in production every day between now and then. Our volume is up and running, and everything is designed, and so we’re going full-guns right now. I feel like I’ve been let out of jail, because I’ve been in the writing cave for the last two years. I’m actually enjoying life. I don’t enjoy writing. I wouldn’t wish writing on a dog.”

This means that Avatar 2will begin motion capture filming this summer. Cameron’s suggestion of the production’s new momentum comes after doubt was recently cast on the first sequel’s potential 2018 release date.

The director’s treatment of all four sequels as equal ties into the nature of the franchise as a family saga. It will follow Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) as well as their children, as their homeworld of Pandora remains in conflict with humanity. This generational focus could set up a massive and complex arc, of which, Avatar 2would only be the beginning. Cameron’s previous work on sequels such as Terminator 2 and Aliens are anything to go by, fans could be in store for something truly spectacular.

Avatar 2 is expected to release in December 2018. Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more information.